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Types of Addiction: List of Addictions

Types of addiction range from everyday drugs like alcohol and cocaine to behaviors like gamblingand stealing. Some types of addiction are specified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) while others are more controversial and have been identified by some addiction professionals.

The types of addiction seen with drug use are defined in the DSM-IV-TR, but it uses the terms substance abuse and substance dependency. Neither equates to addiction directly but rather, refers to harmful use of substances. Addiction is both psychological and behavioral. Addictions are characterized by craving, compulsion, an inability to stop using the drug and lifestyle dysfunction due to drug use. (read Addiction Definition).

Behavioral addictions are those not involving a substance. This type of addiction can be an impulse control disorder as defined in the DSM-IV-TR or an addiction identified by an addiction professional. Behavioral addictions outside of the DSM-IV-TR are controversial and many don't feel they meet the requirement of being an official addiction.

List of Addictions to Substances

Substance use disorders in the DSM-IV-TR provide a list of addictions relating to the following substances:1